La Sierra University vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

La Sierra University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (1,574 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Bethel University is in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Bethel University 12:1.

La Sierra University vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or Bethel University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bethel University than La Sierra University ($19,494 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 17.1% lower than at La Sierra University ($11,140 vs. $13,431).
• La Sierra University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $3,110 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at La Sierra University than at Bethel University (about $3,110 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at Bethel University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 10.4% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($27,646 vs. $25,046).

La Sierra University vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University or Bethel University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bethel University and La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1030) is 20 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Bethel University 900/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Bethel University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than La Sierra University (91.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 27.4% at Bethel University.

La Sierra University vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and Bethel University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $3,935 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($26,065 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($269 vs. $310).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.